Beverage apparatus



Nov. 1, 1966 M. IMMERMANN ETAL 3,282,467

BEVERAGE APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Jan. 26, 1961INVENTORS MILTON IMMERMANN ROBERT H.ENSIGN GEORGE H. WOODS ATTORNEYSNov. 1. 1966 M. IMMERMANN ETAL 3,282,457

BEVERAGE APPARATUS Original Filed Jan. 26, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 LE5 QFAA IO N FIG. 3

9 INVENTORS MILTON IMMERMANN ROBERT H.ENS|GN GEORGE H. WOODS ATTORNEYSM. IMMERMANN ETAL 3,282,467

Nov. 1, 1966 BEVERAGE APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed Jan. 26,1961 m A M S WO R SO NW TW N V T NWR I TIER BO 0E MRG ATTORNEYS 1966 M.IMMERMANN ETAL 3,282,467

BEVERAGE APPARATUS Original Filed Jan. 26, 1961 5 Sheets$heet 4INVENTORS MILTOIN IMMERMANN M. l ROBERT H. ENSIGN \TY GEORGE H. wooosATTORNEYS Nov. 1, 1966 M. IMMERMANN ETAL.

BEVERAGE APIARATUS Original Filed Jan. 26, 1961 5 Sheets-$heet 5 no em;mo. ff @511 awn I29 0 k BAG KNIFE m sw. START sw. I32

w MOTOR TIM I l I47 I 1 HYBREWING m0. LIQUID LEVEL I CONTROL no. I 1 Q4I 1,!44 PRESSURE I474 READY mo.

SW. M w

1545 F Ms L J 86 l POWER RELAY M WATER FILL uouzo LEVEL CONTROL -.c.VALVE TRANSFORMER uoum EVEL ELE T. 89

72 VENT VALVE 5 LBJ QC BLOWER MOTOR STANDBY THERMOSTAT fl nsoflsoi 400w. STANDBY HEATER I23 77 PR! 78 3500 wfHEATEn INVENTORS MILTON IMMERMANNROBERT H. ENSIGN GEORGE H. WOODS BY ATTORNEYS United States Patent3,282,467 BEVERAGE APPARATUS Milton Immermann, Piermont, Robert H.Ensign, Bronxville, and George H. Woods, New York, N.Y., assignors bymesne assignments, to General Foods Corporation, White Plains, N.Y., acorporation of Delaware Original application Jan. 26, 1961, Ser. No.85,080, now Patent No. 3,181,732, dated May 4, 1965. Divided and thisapplication May 3, 1965, Ser. No. 482,644 5 Claims. (Cl. 22254) Thisapplication is a division of a pending application of the sameinventorship entitled Beverage Apparatus, Serial No. 85,080, filedJanuary 26, 1961, now Patent No. 3,181,732, granted May 4, 1965.

This invention relates to an apparatus for producing a predeterminedquantity of a beverage. More particularly, the invention concerns anapparatus which, upon actuation, automatically functions to produce apredetermined quantity of a beverage by combining liquid and solidbeverage ingredients to form the beverage solution.

Hot beverage solutions, such as coffee, tea, and the like, are in Wideuse in commercial establishments, where the need to prepare relativelylarge quantities of such beverages fluctuates widely within the periodof one day. Thus, during breakfast hours, the need for the production ofrelatively large quantities of hot coffee is great, while at other hoursbetween mealtimes the demand for coffee subsides. Due to such irregularrequirements for coffee and the like, and because apparatus now in usein commercial establishments for the production of coffee requirerelatively long periods of time until the coffee has been brewed,restaurants and like establishments are either required to maintaincoffee producing units of a capacity far in excess of their averagerequirements or have insufficient units on hand to meet periods of peakdemand.

Even with the excessive periods of time now required in the brewing ofcoffee by commercial establishments, the coffee which they produce bymeans of percolator, silex, or other coffee brewing apparatus whichutilize roasted and ground coffee does not meet high taste standards. Itis generally agreed that in order for coffee of excellent taste to beproduced, certain requirements must be met. For example, the water whichis used to form the coffee must be preboiled. Such preboiling drives outgases which are dissolved in water normally obtained from reservoirs,springs, and similar sources. These gases give a carmel taste to thecoffee beverages. In addition, the hot water and the coffee mix shouldbe agitated in order to secure a complete transfer of flavor and aromafrom the mix to the water. Finally, a hold or meld time in the order ofthree minutes should be allowed to elapse after the coffee has beenproduced in order to bring the coffee to its'apex of flavorf Methods andapparatus currently employed in commercial coffee-making equipment donot meet the needs of establishments for speed of production of coffeenor for i water to be mixed with the coffee is preboiled, the water andthe coffee mix agitated, and a meld time easily permitted due to thespeed of coffee production.

It is another object of this invention to provide an apparatus forproducing coffee and the like in which operation of the apparatus iscompletely automatic so that beverage material need not be introduced bya human agency at the start of each cycle with the consequentpossibility that foreign matter will be incorporated in the finalbeverage solution.

It is still another object of this invention to provide an apparatus forproducing coffee and the like which need be supplied with sold beveragematerial only at relatively long intervals, yet in which the material sosupplied will be kept fresh until immediately prior to use.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an apparatus forproducing coffee and the like, the use of which does not require removalof used coffee grounds or like matter which is disagreeable to thesenses.

The beverage apparatus according to the present invention comprisesmeans for bringing together a liquid and a beverage mix which is solublein that liquid. Thus, where the apparatus of the invention is utilizedas a coffee maker, the liquid will be water and the coffee will be asoluble or instant coffee. The apparatus includes means for retaining aquantity of liquid and means for directing that liquid from the retainerinto a receiving chamber. Also included is a package which contains ameasured amount of soluble material and means for positioning thepackage so that when the material is released from the package, it canpass into the chamber. Means as part of the apparatus opens the packageat its release position, thereby freeing the soluble material within thepackage and permitting it to pass into the chamber toward which theliquid is also directed. Where soluble coffee, tea, and like substancesare retatined within the package, the apparatus also includes means forheating the liquid to its boiling point.

As incorporated in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the meansfor positioning the package containing the soluble material is arotatable reel, which carries means for retaining a package on itsperiphery. With the package held on the reel periphery, rotation of thereel acts to move the package to its release position. Advantageously,that release position is one in which a package held on the reel isdisposed to overlie an entrance to the receiving chamber so that, whenthe package is opened in such position, the soluble material therewithincan fall by gravity into the chamber. A rotatable knife blade can beemployed to open the package by cutting it and freeing the materialtherewithin. Additionally, a flailing member rotatable with the knifeblade may be provided to beat the newly opened package and ensurerelease of all the contents thereof.

As stated, the apparatus also includes means for heating the liquid tobe directed to the receiving chamber if the soluble material is coffee,tea, or the like. Means are provided for rotating the reel and formoving the knife blade in such a direction that it will cut and open apackage at release position. It has been found desirable that theheating means and the reel rotating means be actuated simultaneously atthe beginning of one cycle of operation. The means for moving a knifeblade is only actuated after deactuation of the reel rotating means.

The combination of the rotatable reel and a package containing ameasured amount of soluble material constitutes an important feature ofthis invention. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention thereel is formed in part with a plurality of bars extending trans verselyacross the reel and spaced from each other along the periphery of thereel. Means for holding a package on the reel are located on these bars,so that each package is retained on the reel and against one or more ofthe bars. Means as part of each package cooperates with the means on thebars to effect package retention.

When one of the dimensions of the package is substantially equal to thelinear distance between adjacent bars, the package will be supported bythose adjacent bars and will extend between them. After the reel hasbeen rotated to bring the package to release position, the cutting meansmoves across release position and between the adjacent bars to cut thepackage and release the soluble material therewithin.

The apparatus for heating a liquid to its boiling point and conveyingthe liquid to a receiving chamber constitutes another important featureof the present invention. That apparatus comprises a vessel for heatingthe liquid, means for supplying liquid to the vessel, and means forpreventing the liquid in the vessel from rising above a predeterminedlevel. A conduit extends from a location outside the vessel to aposition within the vessel in which an end of the conduit is below thatpredetermined level. Means for heating the liquid are also providedwithin the vessel. When the liquid in the vessel is heated to itsboiling point, the vapor pressure in the vessel forces liquid into theopen end of the conduit, through the conduit and from the vessel.

To prevent premature discharge of small amounts of liquid from thevessel, a vent is formed in the vessel well above the liquid level.Means such as a diaphragmactuated switch responsive to the vaporpressure in the vessel closes the vent just as the boiling point of theliquid is reached. The sudden restriction quickly increases the vaporpressure in the vessel to bring the liquid to its boiling point with arapidity which eliminates dribbling of small amounts'of liquid. Suchdribbling has been found to be present when the liquid more slowlyapproaches its boiling point. After a quantity of liquid has beendischarged from the vessel such that the liquid level therewithin fallsbelow the level of the conduit end, the pressure within the vesseldecreases and means responsive to that decrease in vapor pressureactuates the liquid supplying means to refill the vessel to thepredetermined level. Also, the vent which was closed just prior toattainment of the liquid boiling point is opened.

-Still another feature which has been incorporated in the apparatus ofthe present invention is a device which is attached to the end of theconduit within the heating vessel. This device is in the form of a cuphaving at least one aperture in its side wall and a continuous bottom.The cup is fixed to the conduit end so that the end projects Within thecup at least to the lowest level of the aperture. When the liquid levelin the vessel is at the level of the conduit end, the cup breaks a broadmeniscus which would otherwise form between the liquid and the conduitend. Such a meniscus would render variable the quantity of liquid whichflows from the vessel in accordance with the height of the meniscus.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent when considered in connection withthe illustration of a preferredembodiment of the invention in theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the assembled apparatus of the inventionas viewed from one side of the apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled apparatus with partsthereof removed as viewed generally from the front of the apparatus;

- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the assembled apparatus of FIG. 2 asviewed from that side of the apparatus opposite the side illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the assembled apparatus with partsthereof removed as viewed generally from the rear of the apparatus;

FIG, 5 is an enlarged elevational view, partly cut away, of theassembled apparatus from the side shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged elevational view of part of the reel of theapparatus.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged elevational view, partly in section, of theheating vessel of the apparatus, and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the meniscusbreaking deviceillustrated in section in FIG. 7.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 to 4thereof, the apparatus of the invention is supported by a frame having abase 10 and an upper horizontal part 11 substantially parallel to thebase 10 which, together with the back plate 12 and side brackets 13 and14, maintain the operative parts of the apparatus in proper position. Asits basic function, the apparatus serves to transfer liquid heated toits boiling point in the vessel 15 from that vessel to a decanter 16 inwhich it is combined with soluble material contained in a package 17.The entire operation is accomplished automatically upon the energizingof the electrical circuitry which operates the invention, such actuationcontrolled by a push button command switch 18 located on a front panel19 of the frame. A chute 20 is utilized to direct the soluble material,such as soluble coffee, from a package 17a disposed at release positioninto the decanter 16.

A reel, indicated generally by reference numeral 21, is utilized tolocate a package 17 at release position. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6of the drawings, reel 21 is formed from a vertically disposed, generallycircular plate 22, which is mounted on a hub 24 for movement therewith.Hub 24 rotates with respect to the shaft 23, such movement beingrestricted by a collar 25 which is rigidly fixed to the shaft 23 (FIG. 5Shaft 23 extends I from a vertically disposed centerplate 27 toward thefront of the apparatus vw'th its axis in a substantially horizontalplane, shaft 23 being retained against centerplate 27 by means of axialbolt 28. Centerplate 27, itself, is maintained in vertical position bymeans of base 10, upper horizontal part 11, and side brackets 14 of theapparatus frame.

Rotation of the circular plate 22 is accomplished by means of a reelmotor, indicated generally by reference numeral 30, which has a drivinggear 31 mounted on an impeller shaft 32 extending therefrom. Drivinggear 31 engages a chain 33 which cooperates with a sprocket wheel 34,the latter being immovably fixed to the rotary hub 24. Consequently, thereel motor 30, through the chain drive described herein, serves torotate the hub 24 and its fixed plate 22 about shaft 23.

The structure of the reel 21 is completed by elongated bars 35 whichextend toward the front of the apparatus from surface 36 of plate 22 andare rigidly fixed to the plate 22. Bars 35 are substantially hexagonalin cross section. A plurality of knobs or aligned studs 38 extendoutwardly from one surface of the bars 35. As illustrated, studs 38 arenot only arranged in a row on each bar 35, but are also aligned so thateach stud occupies a point on an imaginary circle which can be drawn toinclude on its circumference one stud on each of the bars 35 of the reel21. At all times during rotation of the reel 21, the studs 38 projectradially from the elongated bars 35. The precise structure of the plate22 is best seen in FIG. 6. Clearly shown in this figure are amultiplicity of depressions 39 spaced uniformly along the circumferenceof the plate 22. These depressions serve to effect the sequence ofoperation of the apparatus and will be described in greater detailhereinafter.

Elongated bars 35 and their associated studs 38 serve to hold a strip ofpackages 17 on the periphery of the reel 21 and propel those packagesaround the reel 21 as the plate 22 and bars 35 are rotated. As will beseen in FIG. 1, a container 40 is positioned on frame base 10 at oneside of the apparatus. Container 40 holds a supply of packages 17, whichare connected to each other at their ends to form a continuous strip ofpackages each of which contains a sealed quantity of soluble materialtherein. Along the lines of juncture of adjoining packages 17 are aplurality of aligned apertures 41 which are positioned so that studs 38:pass through the apertures ,41 as those apertures contact the bars 35.The strip of packages is flexible at the lines of juncture. With studs38 in the apertures 41, movement of bars 35 propels the studs 38 in acircular course, and studs 38 force the strip of packages 17 to conformto rotation of the studs. Afurther container 42 is positioned at thatside of the apparatus opposite the container 40. Container 42 is sopositioned that severed package remnants 43 carried by studs 38 aftereach package 17 has been cut at a central location thereof are depositedin the container 42. Package remnants 43 fall from the studs 38 afterthe reel has been rotated more than 180 degrees from the location offirst contact of the strip with the bar 35. Discharge of packageremnants 43 is best illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4.

Discharge of the soluble material within any single package 17 isaccomplished by means of a rotary knife blade 45 which is moved in apath which brings it into contact with a central portion of a package 17positioned at the uppermost limit of rotation of the reel 21. A packagein such release position has been identified in FIGS. 1 and 3 by thereference numerals 17a.

The means by which rotary knife blade 45 is actuated to cut a package17a is illustrated in detail in FIG. 5 and is also shown in FIGS. 1 to3. Blade 45 is mounted for rotation on an axle 46 which rotates in atransverse bore in the blade support 48. In turn, blade support 48 ispivotable about a rod 60 which extends through blade support 48 andtransversely across the apparatus and is held at its ends by the frameof the apparatus. Control of the pivotal movement of the blade support48 on the rod 60 is accomplished by means of connecting links 50 and 51,which are hingeably connected to each other by a pin 52. Link 51 ispivotably fixed to a boss 53 on blade control housing 54, which isbolted to the forward frame brackets 13. Link 50 is fixed to an outputshaft 49 of the blade motor 56, which itself is carried by blade support48 at a location Within the housing 54. By means of one output shaft,blade motor 56 rotates drive gear 57, sprocket chain 58 and sprocketwheel 59 to rotate the knife blade 45 on its axle 46. Blade motor 56 hastwo output shafts, the second of which is designated by referencenumeral 49. Rotation of output shaft 49 moves the connecting links 50and 51 to cause the knife blade support 48 and the blade 45 carriedthereby throughout a cycle of positions in which the support 48 pivotson rod 60 and the blade 45 is thereby moved across the release positionof package 17a and then back to its original position. In FIG. 5 theknife blade position designated by reference numeral 45a is one in whichthe blade cuts across a package 17a at the release position of thepackage.

From FIG. 5 and the perspective views of the apparatus of the invention,it will be noted that bails 62 are mounted on a collar 63 fixed to theaxle 46 for rotation therewith. Consequently, bails 62 are rotated withthe knife blade 45. In the position indicated by reference numeral 62ain FIG. 5, the bails, which extend outwardly on either side of the blade45, contact and beat a package 17a at release position. Such flailing ofa package 17a as it is being severed and immediately thereafter causesthe entire quantity of soluble material within the package to bedischarged therefrom. Package remnants 43, therefore, contain verylittle if any soluble material.

A chute 20 is located directly beneath a package 17a ,at releaseposition. Soluble material which is released from that package as thepackage is cut by means of the knife blade 45 falls by gravity into thechut 20, through which it is directed into a decanter 16 placedimmediately beneath the mouth 64 of the chute. In order to assist thesoluble material in making the passage down the chute 20, a blowerpositioned within housing 65 (FIG. 5) is provided. Air from the bloweris directed into the upper end 67 of the chute 20 by means of a suitablydisposed baflle 66.

Another important part of the apparatus of the present invention is themeans by which water or other liquid at its boiling point is deliveredto the decanter 16. Inchoately, such means comprise a vessel 15 in whicha liquid 69 therein is heated to its boiling point, and a standpipe 70through which the liquid 69 is transported from the interior of thevessel 15 into the decanter 16. Vessel 15 and those parts which enableit to function effectively are best illustrated in FIG. 7. It will herebe seen that the liquid 69 is maintained at the predetermined level atwhich it is illustrated by means of a liquid level control 71. Such acontrol is manufactured by Charles F. Warrick Company, Berkley,Michigan, and employs an electrode 72 which extends downwardly and actsto shut off the means which supplies liquid into the interior of thevessel when the liquid contacts the electrode. An electric circuit isgrounded when power flows from the electrode through the liquid to thevessel 15, which is itself grounded. In FIG. 7 the level 75 of theliquid is illustrated as barely contacting the electrode 72 of liquidlevel control 71, so that the means (not shown) which supplies liquidunder pressure through intake pipe 73 into the vessel 15 isde-energized. Valve means in the intake pipe 73 functions to preventliquid 69 from flowing from the vessel 15 through the pipe 73 afterliquid is no longer supplied to the vessel.

The level of liquid 69 shown in FIG. 7 is designed by reference numeral75. A lower liquid level is illustrated by broken line 76. Such lowerlevel is approximately that level which the liquid will assume when theliquid 69 has been heated to its boiling point and a maximum quantitythereof has flowed from the vessel 15 through the standpipe 70 into thedecanter 16. Heating of the liquid 69 is accomplished by means of anexternal heating unit 77 located at the bottom 79 of the vessel 15 andinternal heating coils 78 which extend within the vessel 15 below thelower level 76 of liquid 69. It will thus be seen that heating coils 78will always be immersed in the liquid 69. In the illustrated embodimentof the invention, heating unit 77 is of lesser heating capacity than thecoils 78 and is used to maintain the liquid in the vessel 15 at atemperature of 150l60 F. Heating coils 78 are energized only when it isdesired to heat liquid 69 to its boiling point.

The basic method used to force liquid 69 through the standpipe 70 intothe decanter 16 is as follows. Liquid 69 is heated to its boiling point,at which temperature the vapor pressure in the space 80 between theliquid level 75 and the upper wall 81 of the vessel 15 increases toforce liquid into the end 82 of the standpipe or conduit 70. End 82extends downwardly within vessel 15 on a substantially vertical line.This high vapor pressure continues to be maintained within the vessel 15until the liquid 69 reaches a level approximately that indicated bybroken line 76. When all the liquid at that level has been forced intoopen end 82 of standpipe 70 and through the standpipe 70 into thedecanter 16, and the level of liquid 69 is substantially at the open end82, vapor will be forced into that open end. This vapor will be steam ifthe liquid 69 is water. The discharge of the vapor drastically reducesthe vapor pressure within the vessel 15 and all discharge throughstandpipe 70 ceases.

An important feature of this invention is directed to a device whichprevents the discharge of small amounts of liquid 69 through thestandpipe 70 before the liquid has reached its boiling point. Suchdischarge is undesirable, since that liquid is not at its boiling pointand also because small amounts of liquid in contact with the solublematerial from packages 17 tend to clump and ball that material. When themain body of liquid 69 at its boiling point is later discharged into thedecanter 16, such clumps may not dissolve in the boiling liquid and willthus materially lower the quality of the beverage produced. In order toprevent premature liquid discharge or dn'bbling, vent means are providedin the upper wall 81 of the vessel 15. The vent means includes T-shapedcon duit 83 one end of which connects with upper vessel wall 81 andforms an aperture 84 therewith. By means of a flexible hose 85 the space80 in vessel 15 is connected in the hose 88 past valve 89. Release of asmall amount 10 of vapor by the vent valve 89 into the standpipe 70 hasbeen found to prevent dribbling. However, when liquid 69 approaches itsboiling point, the vapor pressure within vessel increases to a pressurewhich actuates diaphragm pressure switch 86, which then acts to closevent valve 89. With vent valve 89 in closed position, the liquid 69quickly reaches its boiling point.

Another feature which has been found highly advantageous in use in thepresent apparatus is a cup 92, best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. Cup 92is formed with a continuous bottom 93 and a side wall 94 extendingupwardly from bottom 93 and sealed thereto to prevent the passage ofliquid between the bottom and side walls. Side wall 94 has apertures 95provided therein at locations substantially above the bottom 93 of thecup 92. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the apertures 95 are of suchdimensions that side wall 94 is in the shape of elongated struts 96 inthat area where the side wall 94 is cut by apertures 95. Above theapertures 95 side wall. 94 is in the form of an annulus 97 joined toside wall 94 by means of the struts 96.

The diameter of annulus 97 is slightly larger than the diameter of thestandpipe 70, so that cup 92 can be clamped to the standpipe 70 over itslower end 82 by means of a set screw 99 located in a threaded aperture98 in the annulus 97. The manner in which cup 92 is clamped to standpipe70 is best seen in FIG. 7. It will there be seen that, when the cup 92is in clamped position, annulus or collar 97 closely engages the sidewall of the standpipe 70 at a location such that conduit end 82 extendswithin the cup 92 to a position just below the apertures 95. At thelocation of conduit end 82 side wall 94 is continuous and the diameterof the cup 92 is substantially larger than the diameter of conduit end82. Mounted in such position, cup 92 provides a liquid level within thecup indicated by broken line 100. This liquid level is somewhat belowliquid level '76, and is only maintained when liquid outside the cup hasbeen lowered to the level indicated by broken line 76 and the vaporpressure with the vessel 15 still forces liquid 69 through the standpipe70. The last liquid to be forced into the open end 82 of conduit 70,therefore, will be that liquid within the cup 92 between liquid levels76 and 100. When a meniscus is created as the last of this liquid entersconduit end 82, that meniscus will only extend from the wall of thestandpipe 70 to side wall 94 of cup 92. Quite large variations in theshape of this meniscus will thus result in but minor differences in thevolume of water entering standpipe 70. On the other hand, were no cup 92provided in the position illustrated in FIG. 7, the meniscus would be abroad one extending from the wall of standpipe 70 to the side wall ofthe vessel 15 Meniscus variations in the latter case could result inwide fluctuations in the amount of liquid entering the standpipe 70.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3 of the drawings, a bracket 101 is used tohold a decanter 16 supported in receiving position on the rest 102 sothat the decanter cannot be moved from that position during the cycle ofoperation of the apparatus. Side members 103 of bracket 101 togetherwith handle 104 and frame front plate 105 bound the decanter 16 when thelatter is in receiving position. Bracket 10!. is movable from boundingposition by pivoting on pins 106 fixed to the ends of side members 103and rotating in apertures in opposed frame brackets 13, such movementbeing accomplished by springs 112 fastened to brackets 13 and sidemembers 103 at each side of the bracket 101.

Other parts of the present apparatus which are illustrated in FIG. 1 area reel microswitch 107 which is fixed to the frame of the apparatus andhas a flexible arm 108 which extends outwardly from the microswitch andterminates in a feeler member 109. Flexible arm 108 continuously urgesfeeler member 109 against the circumference of plate 22 so that, when adepression 39 on the circumference of plate 22 of reel 21 is reached,feeler member 109.is forced into the depression. This action effects achange of position of feeler arm 108 and a consequent change of positionof microswitch 107.

Also illustrated in FIG. 1 is means sensing the presence or absence of apackage 17 as the packages approach release position. Such meansincludes a flexible feeler arm 110 connected to a microswitch 111 whichchanges position when feeler arm 110 moves to indicate the absence of apackage 17 in position to be moved to material release position by thereel 21. Further illustrated in FIG. 1 is a blade guide 114 providedwith a slot 115 through which knifeblade 45 passes in correctpackagecutting position.

Shown in FIG. 2 is knife microswitch 117. This microswitch is providedwith a depressible arm 118, which is depressed by contact arm 119 whichmoves with the blade support 43 as the latter is actuated by the blademotor 56. After the knife blade 45 has been moved through one cuttingcycle, contact arm 119 depresses feeler arm 118 to open microswitch 117and shut off blade motor 56.

The manner in which the vessel 15 is supported on the frame of theapparatus is best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. A flange 120 is formedin the circumference of an upper portion of the side wall of the heatingvessel. Bolts 121 extend through apertures in flange 120 and throughaligned apertures in brackets 122. Since brackets 122 are fixed to framebrackets 14, the vessel 15 is thereby supported by the frame of theapparatus.

Also seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 is a thermostat 123 fixed in the side wall ofvessel 15 and functioning to maintain the temperature therein at -160 F.during periods when the apparatus is on but not producing a beverage.

OPERATION The apparatus which has been illustrated in the drawings anddescribed hereinbefore is operated as follows:

A strip of packages 17 folded along the juncture lines between adjoiningpackages is inserted in the container 40, and the last package of thestrip is raised and draped over two bars 35 of the reel 21 so that therows of apertures 40 of the strip fits over aligned rows of studs 38 ontwo adjacent bars 35 of the reel 21. In this hand-mounted location theend package occupies a position across adjacent bars 35' such that,during one continuous operation of reel motor 30, that end package willbe moved to release position at the top of the reel. In this positionother packages 17 of the strip will be located out of the container 40,but the main body of packages 17 of the strip will be arranged inface-to-face relationship in the container.

Command switch 18 is now moved to on position. This brings a supply ofelectricity to the apparatus and the means for supplying liquid 69through supply line 73 to the interior of the vessel 15 is energized,whereupon liquid 69 is forced into the vessel 15 under pressure to thelevel of line 75, entry of a larger quantity of liquid being preventedby liquid ievel control 71. Also actuated is the external heating unit77, which commences to heat liquid 69 to 150-160 F. The apparatus is nowready to provide a decanter of coffee or like beverage, or hot water, ifsuch is desired.

J A decanter 16 is now placed on the rest 10?. and bracket 101 depressedso that the decanter 16 is held in place. Bracket 101 locks in place andcannot be removed until a cycle of operation has been completed. Anotherswitch 113 located on the panel 19 is now moved to on position. In thisposition the cycle of operations is begun. A flow of electricity issupplied to heater coils 78 and liquid 69 is rapidly heated toward itsboiling point. Simultaneously with the flow of current to heater coils78 reels motor 30 is energized and reel 21 is rotated until feelermember 109 drops into depression 39 in the circumference of reel plate22. Movement of member 109 and feeler arm 108 moves microswitch 107 tooff position and stops reel motor 30. With reel motor 30 out of thecircuit, knife blade motor 56 is energized and knife blade 45 begins torotate. Knife blade support 48 is simultaneously moved by blade motor 56and intermediate links 50 and 51 toward a package 17a containing solublematerial. Package 17a has been moved to release position by rotation ofthe reel 21.

When rotating knife blade 45 reaches the release position occupied bypackage 17a, it cuts the package at a central portion thereof, thesoluble material within the package is released, and bails 62 rotatingwith and at either side of knife blade 45 flail the package 17a toensure complete release of the soluble material. The soluble materialfalls into the chute 20 and, aided by a flow of air the blower poweredby motor 65, drops into the decanter 16.

Shortly after a predetermined supply of soluble material has beendeposited in decanter 16, the liquid 69 in vessel 16 has approached itsboiling point and vent valve 89 is closed by diaphragm pressure switch86. Closure of vent valve 89 quickly brings liquid 69 to its boilingpoint and vapor pressure within the vessel forces the liquid from thelevel 75 downwardly and up into conduit end 82 and through the standpipe70 into decanter 16 until the liquid reaches a level 76 outside the cup92. Within the cup 92 the liquid is brought to a level 100 and forms ashort meniscus with the side wall of standpipe 70.

As vapor Within vessel 15 enters the end 82 of conduit 70, vaporpressure in the vessel drops. This drop moves diaphragm pressure switch86 to open vent valve 89, deenergizes heating coil 78, and actuates themeans supplying liquid to the vessel 15 through line 73. Liquid 69 isagain supplied to the vessel 15 until electrode 72 of liquid levelcontrol 71 is contacted by the liquid at the level 75. At this point themeans locking bracket 101 in place is released and that bracket can belifted by handle 104 and the decanter, which now contains an agitatedsolution of liquid 69 and soluble material from the package 17, can beremoved from its position on rest 102.

WIRING DIAGRAM A wiring diagram which illustrates electrical circuitrysuitable for use in the operation of the apparatus describedhereinbefore and illustrated in the drawings is shown in FIG. 9. It willthere be seen that movement of On-Off switch 18 to on position linksparts of an outer circuit 125 which has been designated as being a 208volt line. Outer circuit 125, however, remains open until switches PR-1and PR2, actuated by the power relay, are closed.

Movement of On-Off switch 18 to on position also links parts of, andcloses, an inner circuit 126, which is designated as a 115 volt line.When inner circuit 126 is closed, those parts of the present apparatuswhich are immediately actuated are blower motor 65, ready indicator 153,and external heating unit 77. Heating unit 77 will at that time beenergized only if the thermostat 123 in the line of that unit is inclosed position. As indicated in FIG. 9, thermostat 127 acts to maintainthe temperature of the liquid in vessel 15 at 150 to 160 F. Thus, withthe On-Olf switch in on position, heater 77 will be energized when thetemperature of the liquid in the vessel 15 falls below 150 F., and willbe de-energized when that liquid temperature exceeds 160 F.

The beverage apparatus according to the present invention is now inposition to begin a brewing cycle, which is initiated by the closing ofstart switch 113. Depression of start switch 113 closes a circuitincluding timer motor 129, and thereby energizes the timer motor 129which turns and closes the contacts on the motor timer 132. Motor timer132 locks in the timer motor 129 so that subsequent release of startswitch 113 will not throw out timer motor 129.

However, the power flow to timer motor 129 on depression of start switch113 will be initiated only if no bag switch 111 is in position to linkthe line through the start switch 113 with the remainder of the circuit.No bag switch 111 is controlled by feeler arm 110, which senses thepresence or absence of a bag or package 17 from proper position on thereel 21. When feeler arm does not sense a package, no bag switch 111 ismoved to the position illustrated in FIG. 9 in which it closes a circuitincluding no bag indicator 131 and opens the line including start switch113. Subsequent furnishing of a package 17 moves no bag switch 111 toits other position and permits the start of a brewing cycle.

With a package 17 in proper .position on the reel 21, and start switchdepressed, the contacts of relay timer 141 close and locking relay 142is energized. The effect of energizing locking relay 142 will be relatedin detail later. A fixed period of time after relay timer 141 is closed,the contacts of reel timer close and feed an impulse to reel motor 30,which turns 'and overrides reel limit switch 107, moving the latter toclosed position. Reel motor 30 rotates reel 21 until the reel reaches anindexing position at a depression 39 on the periphery of the reel 21.Depression 39 permits reel limit switch to reassume its normally openposition and throw out reel motor 30. A predetermined period of timeafter reel limit switch opens, the contacts of knife timer 136 areclosed as the knife timer is rotated by timer motor 129. Knife timer 136feeds an impulse to knife motor 56, which rotates and overrides normallyopen knife limit switch 117 and moves the latter to closed position.With knife motor 56 energized, knife blade assembly 48 moves in adownward sweep and returns it to its initial position, when knife limitswitch 117 is returned to its normally open position to throw out knifemotor 56. Motor timer 132 now shuts itself off and start switch 113 mustagain be depressed before another cycle of operation can be begun.

It will be noted that included in the circuit of the timer motor 129,reel motor 30 and knife motor 56, is a selector switch 140. Asindicated, this switch can be manually moved between positions in whichthe beverage apparatus will produce hot water only and in which thebeverage apparatus will produce a cofiee brew. The circuit which, uponactuation, rotates reel 21 and knife assembly 48, is only actuated whenselector switch 140 is in coffee position. That switch is illustrated inhot water position in FIG. 9, and it is apparent that when selectorswitch 140 is in that position, reel motor 30 and knife motor 56 willnot be actuated upon depression of start switch 113.

As stated hereinbefore, actuation of timer motor 129 closes relay timer141 almost immediately after the motor timer 132 has been energized.Closing of relay timer 141 sends power to a locking relay 142, whichlocks itself in regardless of further movement of the cam of relay timer141. With locking relay 142 locked in, the three switches 143, 144, and145, which are part of locking relay 142, are moved from theirillustrated, normally open position to closed position. Such movementhas the following effect. Movement of switch 143 closes a circuitincluding brewing indicator 147, which lights to show that a brewingcycle has begun. Closing of switch 143 does not close vent valve 89,which remains in open position, to permit air to escape from vessel 15as additional liquid enters the vessel.

Closing of switch 144 of locking relay 142 permits power to flow throughthe relay timer and switch 144 into the liquid level sensing device 71,which, in the particular Warrick liquid level control used, has twocontrol switches. One of the control switches 147 is normally open whilethe other, 148, is normally closed. Liquid level control switch 147 isin open position when the vessel is being filled with water. After thevessel is filled to the proper level, this switch is in closed position.Liquid level control switch 148 is in normally closed position andactuates water level valve 150, which permits a flow of water throughconduit 73 into the vessel 15. As indicated by broken line 151, theswitches 147 and 148 of the liquid level control act together so thatwater fill valve 150 is only actuated when switch 148 is closed andswitch 147 is open. When the liquid level electrode 72 is contacted bywater in the vessel 15, power in the line leading to the electrode isgrounded through the water and the vessel 15 to cause a flow of currentthrough the transformer 152 of the liquid level control, which flowopens switch 148 and thereby closes fill valve 150. At this point nofurther water flows into the vessel 15, which is filled to the liquidlevel indicated by reference numeral 75 and illustrated in FIG. 7 of thedrawings.

Simultaneously with the closing of normally open switches 1'43 and 144by means of locking relay 142, relay switch 145 is moved from a normallyopen to closed position. Such movement throws out ready indicator 153which is normally lit and indicates that a brewing cycle can be started.When the ready indicator 153 goes out, brewing indicator 147 issimultaneously actuated to indicate that a brewing cycle is presentlyunderway. Closing of switch 145 also energizes power relay 154, whichcloses swicthes PR-1 and PR-2 in the outside line 125, which includesheating coils 78. As indicated by broken lines 155, switches PR-1 andPR2 are movable together. With switches PR-l and PR-2 closed, heatercoil 78 energizes and rapidly supplies heat to the liquid in the vessel15 and external heater 77 is energized regardless of the position of thethermostat 123.

Prior to the initiation of a brewing cycle upon closure of the switchesof locking relay 142, pressure switch 86, illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7as a diaphragm pressure switch, remains in its normally closed position.In that position it closes a circuit including water fill valve 150, andliquid flows into vessel 15 until liquid level control switch 148 openswhen electrode 72 is grounded. When the pressure in head space 80 withinvessel 15 increases as the liquid approaches its boiling point, pressureswitch 86 is moved to open position just as the liquid reaches itsboiling point. This movement of pressure switch 86 closes vent valve 89and throws out the locking relay 142 thereby open locking relay switches143, 144, and 145. With locking relay open, power relay 154 istie-energized, which opens switches PR-1 and PR-2 and throws outercircuit 125 to de-energize heating coils 78. When the liquid in thevessel 15 reaches the lower extremity of the standpipe 70, the pressurewithin the vessel 15 decreases, so that pressure switch 86 returns toits normally closed position. However, locking relay 142 remains openuntil it is re-energized at the start of another brewing cycle. With theswitches of the locking relay in open position, ready indicator 153 isenergized and brewing indicator 147 is de-energized. Water fill valve150 is closed and remains closed until opened by liquid level controlswitch 148. Still energized are blower motor 65 and external heater 77,the latter, however, now only being energized when thermostat 123indicates that the temperature of the liquid in the vessel 15 is below150 F. The apparatus is now in condition to start another brewing cycleon depression of start switch 113.

Advantageously, the apparatus of the present invention can be operatedso that, in the alternative, a supply of hot beverage may be produced inaccordance with the method of operation described hereinbefore or adecanter of hot water may be obtained. When hot water is desired for usein making tea, hot chocolate, or the like, a control is moved so thatreel motor 30 and knife blade motor 56 are not actuated. With these twomotors out of the circuit, water can be heated in vessel 15 andtransported to the decanter 16 through standpipe without any solublematerial having previously been deposited in the decanter. Also variableare the strength and quan tity of the beverage solution which can beobtained through operation of the present apparatus. Liquid levelcontrol 71 can be adjusted so that electrode 72 is moved verticallywithin the vessel 15. It will, of course, be apparent that the higherthe position of the electrode 72, the more liquid 69 will be retainedwithin the vessel and the greater will be the amount of that liquiddischarged through the standpipe 70 in any one cycle of operation.

While the present invention has been described and illustrated withreference to a single specific embodiment thereof, it will be understoodthat the invention is not to be limited to the structure of thatembodiment, it being desired that the present invention be limited onlyby the scope of the following appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for conveying a liquid at its boiling point, comprising avessel for holding liquid therein, means for supplying liquid to saidvessel, means for limiting the amount of liquid in said vessel to apredetermined level, a conduit extending from a location outside saidvessel to a position within said vessel in which an end of said conduitis below said level means for heating said liquid, a vent in said vesselat a location above said level for releasing a predetermined amount ofvapor before said liquid is brought to its boiling point, and means forautomatically closing said vent when the liquid in said vessel has beenheated to its boiling point.

2. Apparatus for conveying a liquid at its boiling point, comprising avessel for holding liquid therein, means for supplying liquid to saidvessel, means for limiting the amount of liquid in said vessel to. apredetermined level, a conduit extending from a location outside saidvessel to a position within said vessel in which an end of said conduitis below said level means for heating said liquid to its boiling pointto force a quantity of said liquid through said conduit end and fromsaid vessel until the level of said liquid falls below said conduit end,whereby the vapor pressure in said vessel decreases, and meansresponsive to a decrease in said vapor pressure to actuate said liquidsupplying means to refill said vessel with liquid to said level.

3. Apparatus for conveying a liquid at its boiling point, comprising avessel for holding liquid therein, means for supplying liquid to saidvessel, means for limiting the amount of liquid in said vessel to apredetermined level, a conduit extending from a location outside saidvessel to a position within said vessel in which an end of said conduitis below said level, means for heating said liquid to its boiling pointto force a quantity of said liquid through said conduit end and fromsaid vessel until the level of said liquid falls below said conduit end,whereby the vapor pressure in said vessel decreases, means responsive toa decrease in said vapor pressure to actuate said liquid supplying meansto refill said vessel with liquid to said level, a vent in said vesselat a location above said level, and means for closing said vent whentheliquid in said vessel has been heated to its boiling point.

4. A device for preventing the formation of a broad meniscus between aliquid and the end of a conduit, said end extending substantiallyvertically into the liquid, comprising a cup having an inside diameterlarger than the outside diameter of said conduit end, said cup having acontinuous bottom and a side wall extending upwardly therefrom, saidside wall having at least one aperture therein at a locationsubstantially above said bottom, and means for attaching said cup tosaid conduit so that said conduit end projects Within said cup at leastto the lowest level of said aperture.

5. Apparatus for conveying a liquid at its boiling point, comprising avessel for holding liquid therein, means for supplying liquid to saidvessel, means for limiting the amount of liquid in said vessel to apredetermined level, a conduit extending from a location outside saidvessel to a position within said vessel in which an end of said conduitis below said level, means for heating said liquid, a vent in saidvessel at a location above said level, and diaphragm-actuated switchmeans responsive to the vapor pressure in said vessel for closing saidvent when the liquid in said vessel has been heated to its boilingpoint.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,079,898 5/ 1937Burchenal 222-146 5 2,539,349 1/1951 Giles 222-464 X FOREIGN PATENTS12,301 8/1910 France. 120,441 12/ 1947 Sweden.

ROBERT B. REEVES, Primary Examiner.

HADD S. LANE, Examiner.

5. APPARATUS FOR CONVEYING A LIQUID AT ITS BOILING POINT, COMPRISING AVESSEL FOR HOLDING LIQUID THEREIN, MEANS FOR SUPPLYING LIQUID TO SAIDVESSEL, MEANS FOR LIMITING THE AMOUNT OF LIQUID IN SAID VESSEL TO APREDETERMINED LEVEL, A CONDUIT EXTENDING FROM A LOCATION OUTSIDE SAIDVESSEL TO A POSITION WITHIN SAID VESSEL IN WHICH AN END OF SAID CONDUITIS BELOW SAID LEVEL, MEANS FOR HEATING SAID LIQUID, A VENT IN SAIDVESSEL AT A LOCATION ABOVE SAID LEVEL, AND DIAPHRAGM-ACTUATED SWITCHMEANS RESPONSIVE TO THE VAPOR PRESSURE IN SAID VESSEL FOR CLOSING SAIDVENT WHEN THE LIQUID IN SAID VESSEL HAS BEEN HEATED TO ITS BOILINGPOINT.